12' Inflatable Dinghy or 14' Jet Boat?

[RobGunn]

OK, just putting this out there to get others option. We've been thinking of getting a Inflatable dinghy to use around the marina and tow behind our Carver 3607 when we go out on the big lake (Lake Michigan). Everyone I know that has had a inflatable tells me that eventually it will lose air and have issues. Recently I have found that I can pick up a number of different 3-place 14' jet boats in the area for reasonable pricing. No deflation issues and a whole lot more Horse Power with a Jet Boat. Question is, does it make sense to lean toward a 14' jet boat and think that I could tow it behind the 3607 carver as one would do with a Inflatable dinghy?

[mobinakhtar]

I think it's not possible to hang a 14 ft jet boat (I have one and they're heavy for what they are). My 396 max load on the aft swim platform is rated at 600lbs MAX. I guess the only other thing that might fit other than an inflatable is a portabote 12footer made of kevlar and weighs next to nothing. rated for 5hp and takes 3-4 ppl.

[RGrew176]

If you do go the jetboat route make sure it can be towed. Some can be and some can't.

[pepmyster]

I have a 14 foot Zodiak with a 30hp, hard bottom. My goal this summer is towing in the back. Should be very easy to tow but there is no way I'll put the boat on plane while towing this size dingy.

[bud37]

Can't imagine how you could beat a RIB with an outboard for ease of ownership, they are light, easy to tow or hang in davits, easy to beach, store, very little maintenance and so far I have never had a problem with air in the tubes. Also you can run into the mothership without taking out a piece of gelcoat...
Now the jetboat...heavy, heavy and has to be maintained, which could include mechanics.You ain't hangin one of these in davits......fun though. This is assuming you are meaning jetboat and not a jet ski...

[km1125]

Not sure about Lake Michigan, but a jet boat can beat you to a pulp, whereas a RIB can be a comfortable ride. However, the difference might be that the jet boat might be doing (or wanting to do) 40 or 50 mph where the RIB might be closer to 20-25.

You can tow any jet, but you might have to put a shutoff valve on the water cooling just like you do a PWC.

If you get a newer inflatable the leaks certainly can be manageable or pretty much non-existant. I have a 14 year old one (SIB) and the main tubes will hold air for weeks without an issue but I have to reinflate the keel every few days.